Project: Engine Build for beginners.

[Flat on my back]

The beginning of my stroker 7A engine build starts with stripping the head and checking that its worth using.

The cams came out without a problem, nothing seized or broken, no signs of overheating on the lobes. The cam sprocket is still on but will be removed later with the careful use of a big vice and some carpet!

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Bearing wear.

Checking for wear i got these figures, doesn't seem alot to me.

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Inlet lobes.

As i'm a complete beginner at this, here's what the lobes look like. No deep scoring or pitting or 'pick-up'.

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Exhaust lobes.

Same on this one. All comments welcome on the wear 'marks'.

[Jay]

Cams look ok, you need to look for wear marks (look like layers of metal have been worn away like layers of plywood if that makes sense as it wears through the case hardening) also look for chips and deep scores.

Jay

[Jay]

Ps check the tops of the followers for the same

jay

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Caps.

You mean these. Some marking, to be expected but no 'pick-up' or deep scoring. I will check final clearance and end float when everything is cleaned.

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More caps.

The rest of them.

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Bearing data.

And here's the word doc. cos i couldn't read it?

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Oil and water plugs?

Since the head is going to be fully re-furbed is it worth removing these, any hints on how it can be done and where i get replacements from? Two small oil plugs and a larger water plaug at each end (looks like a small version of a core plug).

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Oil and water plugs.

A little bit easier to see in this one.

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In the post today.

My new cylinder head stands came today, speedy delivery and they work a treat.
Thanks Seager Engineering 01473 232908, blatant plug.

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Depth?

Measured the depth to the inlet and exhaust valve stem tips and things are a little below spec. compared to the Bentley manual, so it looks like i will be grinding the tips of the new valves after the seats have been cut, darn!

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Results.

Looks like the head has done some serious miles with all the measurements below spec. apart from the bent valve. I'll have to get the stem tips 'ground' back to give me the correct clearance or find shorter valves if they exist?

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And.........bang!

That was scary, the collets and valve retainers let go with an almighty i've broken something moment. Sixteen came out ok with four requiring some more thought?

Any hints?